Ilha do Pirata

This is one of the most fun things we have ever done.  When Daren suggested we take the Pirate Ship Excursion out to one of the islands I thought it would be fun for the kids, but probably a bit cheesy.  Actually it was SO much fun, and the pirates were so good at throwing a party.  The scenery was hands down the most beautiful I have ever seen with my own eyes.  The sea was this gorgeous green and the boats were so colorful.  The rocks and palm trees and birds were all just spectacular.  We talked Daren and Vive into going--they were hesitant because they get seasick--but they decided to take some Dramamine.  To our surprise, Johnney Depp was waiting for us when we arrived. 

He gave us lots of attention and the girls even got him to do a pirate dance.  I think he liked my pictures, so he gave me his e-mail...but then he leaned in real close and said, I think you are such a babe (loosely translated).  Gotta watch them pirates!  Forunately, he stayed on shore.  But there were plenty more pirates on the boat. 

This is when it got really fun.  This was the captain of the ship.  He let everybody know they could sit down and get seasick, or they could party and not even notice.  So they called everybody to the front of the ship and made it into a dance floor.  Seriously, you have never done the Macarena until you have done it on a Brazilian pirate ship on the open sea.  The girls liked YMCA the best, but then we got to do some Brazilian music.  Even a little Lambada.  (Well, we tried.)  I danced with Vivi and even Matt got down with the girls.  It was such a blast!

After we danced for a while the ship let down anchor and pulled out the lifejackets. It was time for a swim. You could go down the slide off the back or jump off the side of the boat. 

Daren went overboard.  Look how amazingly clear the water was.  It was so warm too.  Like bathwater.  The girls went down the slide and they plan was for Matt and I to jump off the boat together. Guess who jumped all by herself...I made him walk the plank after that!

After our short swim we made our way around to the Island. It is one of the only islands that is privately owned and is a Natural Preservation Site. We had some lunch and then Matt and the kids went for a swim while I took some pictures.


  

Matt and I went on a guided tour of a trail they had through the preserve.  I thought this was really interesting.  The palm tree killer.  A fig tree that grows up beside the palm tree, wraps its vines around it, then squeezes it to death.  Unlike Dad, who is always very careful with Mom.  We got back and the girls were dancing away to the music.  There is always some kind of music playing around here...

A few more pictures of Daren and Vivi--when you have 2 beautiful people in a beautiful setting it isnt hard to get great pictures.  We will make an album up for them later. 

The boat sounded its horn, so we had to convince the girls to get on board.  No problem--they could dance with swords!

The trip back was shorter and the sun was finally starting to melt into the mountains.  As I turned around to look back at the sea one more time before we left, I noticed it had taken this gorgeous mysterious tone I had never seen before.  The water looked golden.  Just a few boats settling in for the night.  So beautiful.  Perfect ending to a perfect day.